Arturo Vega: Man Behind the Ramones Iconic Artwork – RIP

Arturo Vega, the man who designed The Ramones iconic artwork has died at the age of 65.

Vega, also known as “the fifth Ramone” was a Mexican national who emigrated to New York in the 70’s, was the designer of the “Hey Ho Let’s Go” eagle/baseball bat/band member’s name logo that adorned their shirts for 20 plus years.

He was also the band’s virtual lifeline in their formative years, providing a home for bassist Dee Dee and singer Joey in his Bowery loft. Vega also served as the band’s lighting director, and claimed to have been at all bar two of the band’s 2,263 concerts.

News of Vega’s death was announced by Legs McNeil, the author of ‘Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk’ who wrote in a statement, “Sleep gently my dear friend, you were the must optimistic, jubilant and fun pal anyone could wish for. I don’t know what the world will be like without, nor do I want to even imagine it… But I know you will find eternal happiness wherever you end up….I love you Arturo.”